Written by: Danny Talbert
LaGrange, Ga.-- This Saturday (Oct. 7), the LaGrange College Panthers take on the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan University at 1 p.m. The Panthers are 0-4 and are looking to get their first win over a very tough NCW squad. The Bishops are also 0-4 on the season, and too hoping to get their first in-conference win this weekend. The game is at Callaway Stadium but can also be streamed on the LaGrange College Athletics page here.
LaGrange College Panthers vs. N.C. Wesleyan | Stats | Video |
Location: Callaway Stadium
Date: Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023
Time: 1 p.m.
The Series
The Bishops lead the football series 7-4, with a 37-24 victory in the most recent matchup (Sept. 30, 2022).
Scouting The Panthers
The Panthers offense scored a season high 26 points last week against SVU (Sept. 30). Junior Rashod Brockington threw his first passing touchdown in the game agianst SVU. One was to junior Jaden Smith and the other was to sophomore Malachi Kelley. Junior Jaden Mann came into the game for Brockington and also threw his first touchdown of the season to senior Dana Lucas. Junior Goldman Butler VI again solidified himself as the primary Panther running back. On 14 attempts, he rushed for a superb 72 yards, which averaged out to an outstanding 5.1 yards per carry. The defense forced multiple turnovers last week. They had two interceptions and one forced fumble. Sophomore Deon King Jr. accounted for one interception and one forced fumble which he brought back for a touchdown, while senior Lakevin Debruce had the other interception.
Scouting The Bishops
The Bishop's offense this year revolves around determining the team's quarterback, as they are still in the process of identifying the leader who will steer the ship. Junior Zachary Marquis has been the main QB for the Bishops this year. On 68 attempts, he has 34 completions for 428 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. His completions average out to just under 13 yards, so look for Marquis to attempt medium to long passes throughout this week's game. Examining his stats, shows that he is not afraid to take chances of throwing interceptions, but he can air out the ball. Freshman Leopoldo Cardelli has also run the Bishops offense at the QB spot. In two games played, he threw the ball for 181 yards with 20 completions on 31 attempts. Cardelli has thrown a touchdown and one interception this year. The third QB that has been used in the Bishops offense is junior Chaz Hirschman. He has 17 completions on 35 attempts for 96 yards and has thrown two interceptions and one touchdown this season. Freshman Christian Drumgoole has been the leading receiver for the Bishops. In two games, he has 13 catches for 147 yards and one touchdown. Following Drumgoole, is freshman Javarion Smith. In three games played, he has 145 yards on eight receptions. The Panther defense will need to shut down this freshman duo if they want to stop the Bishop offense. Similar to the Panthers earlier in the season, the Bishops have split touches between multiple running backs in 2023. Junior Anthony Byrd has been their primary back. He has 83 yards on 26 attempts and one touchdown. Behind Bryd, is sophomore Myles Martin. In four games, Martin has rushed for 51 yards on 14 carries. QB Zachary Marquis has also ran the ball for the Bishops a handful of times. In two games, he has 54 yards on 18 rushes out of the backfield. Graduate student Ronechie Carter leads the defense with total tackles (30), interceptions (1) and forced fumbles (2). At the defensive back position, he has constantly flown around and made plays for the Bishop defense.
A turnover machine
In the four games played, the Panther defense has caused turnover after turnover for opposing offenses. They total four interceptions and two forced fumbles this season. Senior defensive back Lakevin Debruce leads the team in turnovers with two interceptions and one forced fumble in 2023. The Bishops have thrown a total of eight interceptions and lost one fumble in their four games played. Look for the Panther defense to add to these totals this weekend.
When and where
Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Oct. 7 in Callaway Stadium, LaGrange, Ga. The game can be streamed here.
